Women’s Ministry: Prayer for Peace
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition,with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
Autumn is my favorite season of the year. I love the changing colors of fall, the cool crispness in the air and the celebrations that come during this time. Thanksgiving is also my favorite holiday with the closeness of family, delicious food and gratefulness in our hearts.
I had planned to write this devotion on gratitude and thankfulness. And I am indeed very grateful and thankful for all the blessings and goodness in my life and in the lives of my family and friends. We all have much to be grateful for and even in the most difficult and challenging times, we are called to give thanks to our loving Lord.
But this can also a time of anxiety, worry and fear. Many of us feel this in our personal lives and sometimes it is hard to be grateful. In addition, there is much happening in our world that gives us sadness, concern and worry. I am especially thinking about the terrible and devastating war in Israel, a country that has been plagued by conflict since Biblical times.
Having visited Israel and Jordan just a year and a half ago, the Holy Land left its mark on my soul. Having explored the many ancient historical and Biblical sites, and walked in the footsteps of Jesus, it left a lasting impression on me. But being with the people there, Jews, Muslims and Christians alike, and experiencing their cultures, traditions and ways of life touched my heart in the deepest way. We are all the same, really. In spite of our differences, in God’s eyes we are all his children.
It is hard to understand why people would want to hurt and kill other people and destroy their lives and homelands. It is beyond our comprehension. We feel helpless and fearful for all those ravaged by war and hardships. We can do small things to help the hurting world by caring for our neighbors and community and by supporting efforts to ease the pain and suffering around the world. And yes, most of all, we can give our worries, anxiety and fears to God in our thoughts and prayers and to continue our hope for peace.
“I have told you all this that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
A Prayer for Peace – For those who are fleeing: sanctuary. For those who are staying: safety. For those who are fighting: peace. For those whose hearts are breaking: comfort. For those who see no future: hope.
This month’s devotion is written by Judy Sorensen, a member of the Sheridan Women’s Ministry Team. She is a long-time member of Sheridan and is involved with Tanzanian missions, Barnabas Community, a Grace Group, a Women’s Circle and the Music Ministry, as a worship leader. Judy is a retired kindergarten teacher and a former consultant for Opportunity Education. She and her husband, Rocky, who passed away in June 2017, have four married children, 7 granddaughters and two grandsons. Judy enjoys spending time with her family, friends, dog Bella and also traveling to explore God’s world. She feels blessed to be a part of the Sheridan community.